Bumps behind the ear are swellings in the back of the ear muscles. They occur as a result of an allergic reaction, an injury, blocked sebum glands or a tumor and can cause various accompanying symptoms and consequential complaints. However, if they are treated early, they are unproblematic and subside after a few days.
What are the bumps in the ear?
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Bumps behind the ear are swellings or bumps that mainly develop on the back muscles of the ear or in the area of the auricle. The bumps appear slowly and increase in size over the course of days or weeks. As a result of the swelling, pain, burning or general fever symptoms manifest themselves, depending on the cause. Many people initially mistake the bump for a pimple or follicle and try to empty the cyst.
This can cause the bump to become inflamed and cause an abscess. Bumps behind the ear must be diagnosed and treated quickly to rule out further symptoms or major complications. In addition to medical treatment measures such as the surgical opening of the bump or the use of painkillers, various home remedies such as cooling or warm pads are used. Bumps behind the ear can be effectively prevented through regular checkups and avoiding dangerous situations.
causes
A bump behind the ear can have a number of different causes. The swelling is often based on a swollen lymph node that has become inflamed as a result of a cold or infection. The pathogens that can cause such a swelling include the Epstein-Barr virus or streptococci. Toothache can also cause swelling around the ear, creating a bump.
In children and adolescents, a bump behind the ear is often caused by mastoiditis, which can be caused by a prolonged otitis media or a malformation. Painless bumps can be caused by blocked sebum glands. Another possible cause is skin tumors or a disease of the lymph glands. If the bump cannot move and is painful when touched, lymphatic cancer may be the cause. Finally, a bump can also be caused by an insect bite, injury, or skin irritation. With these causes, a decrease in the swelling can usually be seen within a few days.
Diseases with this symptom
- Mastoiditis
- Pimples
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Pus blisters
- proliferation
- cyst
- Hodgkin's disease
Complications
Bumps behind the ear are usually harmless. Serious complications only arise if the swelling is not treated or is inadequately treated. Then the bump can grow in size and cause severe pain, inflammation, or poor circulation. When infected, the bump fills with pus. This increases the pain and can lead to a perforation in the surrounding tissue, which in the worst case leads to blood poisoning.
An untreated tumor increases in size and, over time, forms metastases in the neighboring regions. The further the cancer progresses, the less likely it is to make a full recovery. Finally, the typical symptoms appear, i.e. malaise, weight loss, functional disorders of the organs and chronic pain. In addition, there are often psychological complaints such as depression or anxiety.
If there is an injury, it can also lead to an infection. It can also leave scars or impaired sensation. In rare cases, the injury behind the ear can also impair hearing or cause accompanying symptoms such as concussion and internal bleeding.
When should you go to the doctor?
If the bump behind the ear persists for more than a few days or causes severe discomfort, a doctor should be consulted. In general, it is a good idea to see a doctor for swellings and bumps that are unknown cause or that are causing additional symptoms.
This is especially necessary if the symptoms severely impair well-being or have other effects on health. If there is a bump as a result of an insect bite, it is best to see a doctor immediately. Medical advice is also required in the event of allergies or injuries, as if left untreated, the bump can become infected and cause serious complications.
If the bumps get bigger within a short time or if a throbbing pain sets in, medical assistance is necessary. The same applies if the swelling causes hearing problems, has a significant impact on well-being or secretes blood. In addition to the family doctor, an internist, allergist or ENT doctor can be consulted depending on the cause.
Doctors & therapists in your area
diagnosis
A bump behind the ear is usually noticed by those affected, who then see a doctor. The doctor will do a careful examination and feel the cyst. The physical examination often provides information about possible causes and enables targeted treatment.
If the skin inspection cannot find a clear trigger, a biopsy is performed. The doctor removes tissue, which is then examined for any abnormalities. Other diagnostic methods that are used in the event of unusual swellings or bumps include blood tests to determine protein and electrolyte levels, as well as X-ray examinations, CT and magnetic resonance imaging. Depending on the suspicion, the heart, kidneys, liver and immune system are also examined.
Accompanying the physical examination, a comprehensive patient interview is held, which provides information about any previous illnesses or risk factors. Often times, the patient can remember an allergic reaction or injury, which makes it much easier to identify the cause. However, if the bump occurs for no apparent reason, the diagnostic procedures mentioned must be carried out. Depending on the suspected cause, the prospect and prognosis can be made.
Treatment & Therapy
What actions the doctor takes to treat a bump behind the ear depends on the cause. An otitis media is treated with antibiotics and pain relievers. In addition, the infection must be carefully monitored in order to identify any worsening symptoms early on. If there is an allergy, the doctor prescribes appropriate antidotes (such as antihistamines) and recommends that the patient take it easy.
If you haven't already done so, an allergy test will be performed to determine the triggering allergen. The doctor will also give the patient tips on what to do if the allergic reaction occurs again. If the bump is based on a tumor, measures such as radiation and chemotherapy, surgery or medication can be used. Treatment of a tumor usually takes place in a hospital. A blocked sebum gland can be opened directly in the doctor's office. The doctor will open the bump with a scalpel or sterilized needle and drain it.
The affected area is then disinfected and the patient is given a mild pain reliever. Larger bumps may need to be surgically opened to avoid damage to the ear canals or tissue. Bumps that have arisen as a result of an injury usually resolve on their own. The doctor will prescribe a light remedy for the pain and recommend general measures such as cooling and strict hygiene. After one to two weeks, another examination will check whether the swelling has completely receded. If this is not the case, a new diagnosis must be made.
Outlook & forecast
A bump behind the ear is usually not a problem. Often the swelling is due to a relatively harmless inflammation or a blocked sebum gland. Causes of this type can be quickly remedied by suitable therapeutic measures, and the bump disappears completely after a few days to weeks. The prognosis is worse if the bump is caused by a tumor.
In the worst case scenario, this can lead to metastasis. If the disease is severe, metastases form in the internal organs and there is a danger to life. Untreated otitis media can also cause complications, such as hearing loss, superinfection or falls as a result of the imbalance.
In general, however, the prospect of recovery is good. If the bump behind the ear is examined early and, depending on the cause, treated, the symptoms can be relieved quickly. Long-term consequences or severe impairment of quality of life are not to be expected.
You can find your medication here
➔ Medicines against swellingprevention
Allergy sufferers can prevent a bump behind the ear by avoiding contact with insects. In addition, those affected should always carry emergency medication with them, which can be used directly in the event of a sting. Good personal hygiene prevents clogged sebum glands and thus the development of pimples and bumps. People who repeatedly notice swelling should ask their family doctor or dermatologist about suitable care products.
A certain gel or ointment may also be responsible for the formation of the bumps. A complaint diary helps identify possible causes and eliminate them. In principle, skin changes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle habits. If you eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and strengthen your immune system through exercise and spending a lot of time outdoors, the risk of developing cancer is already considerably lower. Any degeneracy can be detected and treated at an early stage through regular preventive examinations.
You can do that yourself
A bump behind the ear should first be examined by a doctor. Depending on the cause the health professional diagnoses, there are a few things that patients can do themselves to promote recovery. If the bump is due to an allergic reaction, sufficient cooling and warmth will help. Immediately after the allergic reaction, the affected area should be cooled with ice cubes or a cold spray.
After the redness has subsided, warm cherry stone pillows or packets can be placed on the skin. An analgesic ointment such as marigold ointment or aloe vera ointment relieves feelings of tension and reduces pain. Swelling can also be reduced with herbal tea, cottage cheese, soothing baths, oils and other home remedies for swelling. If the bump was caused by clogged sebum glands, gentle massage can help loosen up the skin behind the ear.
Pull ointment supports the ripening of the bump, which should break open after a few days with appropriate care. If a tumor is the cause, general measures can be used, such as changing diet, exercising, and avoiding stress. After a surgical procedure, the affected area must be treated according to the doctor's instructions. If, in spite of all measures, further complaints arise, the doctor must be informed.
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